March 05, 2014 : VIDEO: University/Festival Partnership Gets New Name and New Act for Spring Show at OUL

- Cheri RussoCommunications and Marketing Manager

Lancaster – The covered bridge on the Ohio University Lancaster Campus has been the literal link between the Lancaster Campus and the Lancaster Festival for more than 25 years. That’s one of the many reasons that a new name for a relatively new partnership between the Lancaster Festival and OUL, The Covered Bridge Music Series, seems to make perfect sense.

“The covered bridge at OUL is an icon on campus,” said Lancaster Campus Dean Dr. Jim Smith. “It seems to represent both the festival and OUL and the collaboration that this music series is all about.”

The partnership started about a year and a half ago and brings up-and-coming artists to the campus twice a year. Three concerts have been performed on campus so far and all have careers that are on the rise as they make waves in the music business. In November 2012, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit played in the Wagner Theatre with opening act, Amanda Shires. Isbell and Shires appeared at OUL just before their respective new releases were hailed by music critics everywhere.

Isbell’s Southeastern album was ranked #1 best album by NPR rock critic Ken Tucker. Shires’ Down Fell the Doves received many mentions on top lists as well, including her song Devastate being named to American Songwriters top 50 songs of the year. In May 2013, Singer/Songwriter Joe Pug performed at OUL. Pug recently returned from a European tour. In September, 2013, the series held its first outdoor concert, and The David Mayfield Parade marched into Lancaster to perform on the Herrold Hall Patio. Now, the series will operate under its new name as The Covered Bridge Music Series and welcome its fourth act. Elizabeth Cook will be performing at OUL on April 25.

“Elizabeth Cook has a distinct country music voice, most often compared to Dolly Parton or Loretta Lynn. She is a major talent that brings an eclectic mix of genres to the stage crossing from country to honky-tonk, rockabilly and gospel, playing her guitar, and singing from the heart,” said Lancaster Festival Director Lou Ross. “Elizabeth is one of the best songwriters in Nashville today. She can make you laugh with her humorous lyrics and then rip your heart out in the very next song.”

Cook is a relentless performer, touring worldwide, including well over 200 performances at The Grand Ole Opry. Cook currently hosts, Apron Strings, weekday mornings on Sirius XM’s Outlaw Country channel. Her latest CD, Welder, is the bold declaration of an uncompromising artist unafraid to be exactly who she is. Welder was on Rolling Stone's list of the 25 Best Albums of 2010. Welder was produced by Don Was (Rolling Stones, Kris Kristofferson) and features guest appearances by Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller.

The concert will be held in the Wagner Theatre at Ohio University Lancaster. The evening will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a local music performance, beverages, and a food truck. The Cook show will begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, March 7 and can be purchased by going to www.lancasterfestival.org.